Hey all,
I just got my LT1 t56 from FedEx today. Either they broke the bellhousing during shipping, or the seller poorly packaged the transmission allowing it to get damaged during shipping. I bought it off eBay. It’s from a 96 trans am and going behind my gen 1 sbc with 2pc rms. I already have the correct centerforce flywheel.

I’m trying to deal with the seller for either a partial refund to cover the cost of a new BH, or just finding me a new one, but that’s another story.

I'm going through options and I want to keep this transmission.

If I cannot find a decently priced LT1 replacement bellhousing, I was considering converting it to the ls style but I’m hesitant. I want to keep an external slave cylinder with fork and traditional release bearing. I have seen the fixtures that I can buy to convert my mid plate to the ls style, but I don’t see the point if I keep the fork operational- unless I’m missing something.

here’s my question. Can I just replace the lt1 input shaft with the ls1 input shaft, use the ls style bellhousing and keep the release bearing and fork operational with the LT1 midplate? Not sure about this the fork would travel though…

I searched and could not find an answer for that combination.

otherwise I think welding my broken bellhousing won’t fit quite right and will be more expensive than just buying another one.

anyone have an LT1 bellhousing for sale?

 

Create an Ad in the C4 Parts for Sale/Wanted section

 

Silver Sport Transmission may sell what you need.

https://www.shiftsst.com/bellhousings-aluminum/p35

I have a surplus SBC to TKX bellhousing from them, but that isn't likely to help.

 

I hear ya as far as the traditional shift fork. I like the idea of keeping any possible fluid leaks away from the clutch, compared to the LS hydraulic throwout bearing, there is nothing to leak.
If you change the input shaft, you'll probably also need a different flywheel since it's longer. When I did my LT1 T56 swap I remember the special conversion flywheel being pretty expensive, so I wouldn't want to rebuy that piece.
If you go the LS route, you'll have to buy the bellhousing and the input shaft at minimum, even if you can return the flywheel.
Do you have the clutch slave cylinder for the t56 too?
Personally, you'll probably spend less time and money if you just rebuy the bellhousing.

I think the only benefit you would have from going to the LS style is there are stronger clutches availble. I think the diameter of the LS clutch is a little bigger. You're pretty limited for the LT1's if i remember correctly, only the Valeo and rebranded valeo units, although you can get a more aggressive clutch disc. I did mine as cheap as possible, even reusing the clutch that was in the 1997 transam i got it from, but i replaced the clutch disc. I didn't get any of the puck style ones, but kinda wish i did. It's probably the reused clutch, but there are times if i try to peel out and the clutch slips a little bit.

Love to hear how it turns out for you

 

Thank you all for the help! I found another LT1 bellhousing on eBay and bought it so it should be here soon. I think this is the most logical way forward at the moment.